The Biden administration is preparing to impose a new set of export restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) chips, including those from major companies like Nvidia Corp.
This move is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to prevent China and Russia from accessing advanced technologies, with just days left before President Biden exits office.
The aim is to restrict the sale of AI chips used in data centers, focusing on both countries and companies, in a bid to concentrate AI development in nations that align with US interests. This strategy intends to encourage global businesses to adopt American standards while controlling the spread of AI technology, particularly at a time of rising demand.
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The regulations, expected to be released as early as Friday, would establish three tiers of restrictions for AI chip trade. At the top tier, a select group of US allies would retain almost unrestricted access to American semiconductors. Meanwhile, countries considered adversaries would be effectively blocked from importing these chips. The majority of the world would face limitations on the amount of computing power allowed to flow into their territories.
Countries in the latter group could potentially exceed their national limits by complying with US government security protocols and human rights standards. This would grant them access to higher quotas under a designation known as a “validated end user” (VEU), a status designed to foster trusted entities that deploy AI technology in secure environments globally.